Nakamura: Second, and Going Solo

A year ago, at the close of the 2010 London Chess Classic, Hikaru Nakamura and Garry Kasparov shared a cab home from the awards dinner at Simpson's in the Strand, discussing opening theory and, more importantly, the start of a new training regimen, with the former World Champion reprising to the role of coach.

The following month, Nakamura's biggest triumph: Clear first place at the Tata Steel tournament in Wjk aan Zee. With just one training session under his belt, most of the credit goes to the player, although when the news of his work with Kasparov finally became public, Nakamura described the advantages, both in terms of preparation and psychology, that he took from that one session.

On Monday, with a flashy win over Michael Adams, Hikaru achieved his second best performance, clear second place in the London Chess Classic, behind Vladimir Kramnik. But this success bookends his short-lived collaboration with Kasparov. Shortly before the tournament, Nakamura decided to strike out on his own...

Comments

Not all Americans are pulling for Naka. He seems full of himself. Maybe it is fighting spirit, an unwillingness to admit he cannot be the best. I hope so but wish he could go about his business more graciously. Unfortunately for Naka, there are greater talents ahead of and behind him on the ratings list. Unfortunately for Americans, he is the best we have at present.

Who do I like? I think highly of Aronian's chess. I also like Moro, my suspicion being that he hasn't hit his peak. If that's true, he might be a legitimate contender for the crown. A number of others are worthy of mention, but the guy I'm pulling for is Carlsen. He is potentially to chess what Tiger was to golf (pre-scandal). I've noticed there are those that like to detract from his accomplishments and dislike all the attention and praise he gets. He may have more to learn, but what's that mean? He's hit number one in the world but hasn't hit his peak? He is the heir apparent. That anyone doubts his credentials sounds like sour grapes. So I say unabashedly, "Go, Magnus!"

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